Mission statement:

After much thought, deliberation and planning, the journey of this magazine, The August, can finally begin. The impulse for creating an outlet of this type has been germinating in my mind for well over a year and is fuelled by a deep and growing passion for all things old and refined. The magazine name itself reflects an austere and hallowed ostent with which I think the subject of craftmanship is due, as well as classical aesthetics and distinct elegance for that matter. Safe to say I have an affinity for silent beauty, “built to last” and material viridity, and, I think, I write in stark reaction to the world time of everything plastic, hollow, lacking- and mass produced.

Before writing all too much, however, I figured it best to do some research- come inspiration hunting. So, I set out reading “The Parisian Gentleman” and “The Italian Gentleman” by my big sartorial hero Hugo Jacomet, as well as “The Perfect Gentleman” and “Jewelry for Gentlemen” by James Sherwood- as recommended online by Jacomet. The latter details an assortment of jewellery items by category and makers, whereas the three former concern the history and achievements of French/Parisian, various Italian and English/London based tailors, cobblers, jewellers, and other specialised artisans of gentlemen’s requisites. Upon perusing their contents, I was most pleased to discover the uncanny similarity of their vision of layout and writing style to mine. Another pleasing factor was their use of visuals where pictures might better exhibit the grit, esteem, and wonders of establishments and crafts. My own vision, however, is to visualise even more- to showcase intriguing items in their detail, or to capture the aesthetics of a scene. Furthermore, great care shall be taken to clearly cite or otherwise reference my sources in good academic fashion as I would like to see a greater level of intertextuality within this significant, albeit broad subject.

Now, while the contents of this magazine will invariably differ in scope and depth from that of the aforementioned authors, I think I write in the same spirit; that is as I see it an attempt at savouring the culture of old while recognizing that change and ingenuity is just as important as traditional praxis in keeping a craft or cultural element alive. Factor in an unquenchable creativity that constantly has me embarking on new projects, the result will no doubt be articles about the creation process of an item- and/or about other endeavours such as travel or perhaps even interviews. Who knows. As one might deduce from my expressions above, however, my writing will from time to time undoubtedly border on the philosophical aspect of culture preservation, let alone opinion. Besides, I can assure that opinion will come in plenty- especially when it comes to certain pet topics.

Rose tinted glasses may, alas, per our human condition, taint our picture of culture, heritage, and the past in general. Hence, I am presented with a fine line to tread if my objective is of any authentic substance. Still, I do so earnestly wish to conjure in writing the magical sense of optimism, sentimentality, and playfulness that I think I first discovered in yesteryear clips of The Dean Martin Show- and later have been delighted to find in Jacomets enthusiastic demeanour and the humour laden within this manifold “gentleman” genre. My advocation for the most integral and intricate parts of our traditions (being part and parcel of who we are today) I hope can enthral, excite, and inspire a kind of stewardship and curiosity in the reader for their own heritage. Somehow, I find that the fairly proximate poltergeist tribulations of the past are just as important to note as the stories we tell ourselves now; what is not more indicative of what we wish could be? Suppose I am concerned with how to improve culture and the fine produce it fruits. Why, it is verily my intent to do so by sharing my infatuation for creating, collecting, and obtaining these delights.

Now, as I am writing to close, I should mention that I am restrained by both time and resources, and, that because I would prefer taking time to write well, the magazine will not enjoy all too many volumes a year. In fact, I have in the first instance restricted myself to publish only three times yearly, making the magazine a quadrimester periodical that accumulates its content with time. Thus, I hope to manage the outlet with some longevity. All this being said, herein so resides my intended direction; to write a relatively well-researched, truly truthful, and insightful ongoing magazine that I hope can constitute a fairly fun, not too light- not too heavy, flagrant read. Hereon, then, only time will tell what I am able to capture, though I nevertheless welcome the reader to incur with me as I embark on this magazine journey of The August.

Thank you.

[Originally published on the 24th of april 2024]